And here I though the world of Hip Hop held the corner on extreme collaborations...

Image Compliments of Beams T

This special monochrome offering is limited to 29 sets as part of the recent Kinnikuman day festivities. What really makes this set unique however is the monochrome color scheme based on the original black and white depictions of Kinnikuman and Kamehame from the Kinnikuman comics.

While I am all for colorful, and highly detailed action figures, something truly can be said for the beauty and simplicity of figures based on their pure and simple monochrome renderings.

Image Compliments of Beams T

As an accompanying piece to the offering above, we have yet another collaboration from Kinnikuman Muscle Apparel and Mangart Beams T in the form of a monochrome Muscle Brothers T Shirt.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

From the hands of Jason Frailey and The God Beast Customs comes CLAWSHINE! With out a doubt, this has got to be one of the best looking fan customs to ever hit the world of custom Keshi.

ファンが作ったクラーシャインのキン消しです。

Masterfully sculpted by Jason Frailey and produced by The God Beast, this limited offering is available in Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, Blue, Green and Clear. Glitter chase versions are also thrown into the mix to make this a very solid and highly collectible release.

Friday, November 26, 2010

The new color scheme is a bit richer and darker than previous Five Star Sunshine releases, adding depth and detail to the overall feel and charm of the character. The Magenta Sunshine mark is also a unique color choice compared to other standard Sunshine figures.

The Sofvi line is completely hand made in Japan, so don't be surprised at the price tag clocking in at ￥10,290. Order one today exclusively from Medicom.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Finally some Choujin to give Lil Wayne a run for his money - "Bling Bling" Kinnikuman Day Warsman and Robin Mask from Medicos.

Image Compliments of Medicos

Each figure is dressed to the nines with highlights of authentic Swarovski Crystals pimpin' their wrestling gear. Both were limited to a number of 29 and only available through a special online purchasing lottery and a measly 26,250円 ~ Mama Mia!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Yudetamago are to be featured on an upcoming Japanese TV documentary surrounding the life, legend, and legacy of Bruce Lee.

Bruce Lee had a shocking impact on Japanese pop culture, and his spirit and legacy continue to live on in Japan despite the fact that 70 years have passed since his birth.

In the feature Yudetamago reminisce about Bruce Lee movies (specifically Game of Death), the influence Lee had on the duo back in school, and how his style and presence influenced their work on Tatakae!! Ramenman.

The Yudetamago segments were filmed inside Studio Egg, so check it out if you get a chance!

Airs 11/22 at 10:00PM JST on WOWOW. More about the show can be found over at the ノンフィクションW page.

M.U.S.C.L.E. Things has done amazing work with these customs, and is a true asset to the Little Rubber Guys community! The creativity and fun surrounding custom keshi is a driving force in the M.U.S.C.L.E. legacy.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The BamBam88 Champion Carnival series is nothing short of wearable art. The Choujin character designs were hand carved by the famous Japanese Woodblock artist, Norikazu Yamaguchi, with each shirt rendered in the style of a classic woodblock print.

Yamaguchi's theme was based on the idea of champions, with each Choujin displaying the championship belt from their respective country or region.

I can say without a doubt that the quality and construction on these are second to none. Sizes range from Small - XXL, with unique colors assigned to each design.

Warsman pimpin' his Stalingrad Belt as seen in my personal BamBam88 collection.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Potentially historic Kinnikuman news was dropped on Twitter yesterday by Shimada-sensei. I know it is way too premature to assume this is a done deal, but here is a quick translation:

"Yudetamago is going to do it! Next year in Las Vegas we are going to do a Muscle Summit Business Trip. A Kinniku Expo with BamBam88, CCP, Five Star Toy, Romando, Chouzou Kakumei - we are going to bring all these guys along and do a convention. We are going to plan and organize a tour from Japan if anyone wants to go."

The fact that they are even talking about doing an overseas event is an honor and testament to the passion and dedication of their foreign Kinniku fans. If a Muscle Summit does end up happening in the States, it would be great to see Yudekkii from all over the world in attendance. (_肉_)

Highlights of the show include chatter on how the duo met, how their families felt about their decisions to go into the comic business, being inspired by the likes of Ultraman and Tiger mask, plenty of talk about getting their grub on, the character voices they did in the Kinnikuman movie, and more about the creative process.

I think it is safe to say that Mizuki's show holds the record for the most commercials ever crammed into a tiny 30 min segment in the history of radio - damn girl!

The 10/30 show has a lot more to offer, but if you love all things Kinniku, give 'em both a listen.

Friday, November 12, 2010

While hiking in Monument Valley last month, I made an interesting Kinnikuman connection, and suddenly recalled that the famous backdrop once played an important role in the story of Geronimo.

The grand scenery can be seen behind Geronimo right before he climbs the stairs of the Superman Road! A faithful likeness drawn by Nakai-sensei in 死闘のかなた…!! の巻 compared to the photo I took of the East and West Mittens and Merrick butte.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

コンプREX Vol 5 was released in late September, and features the best cover art of the series hands down. This issue was edited by the Mandarake Micro Shop manager, "Micro" Miyakoshi, and you can see his personality and artistic passion on each page.

I met Miyakoshisan a few months back while perusing the halls of the Nakano Broadway, and we have been brothers in keshi ever since.

Here's how you can get yourself a copy:

In Japan - Visit the Nakano Broadway Microkan or any Mandarake location.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Ultimate Muscle Vol 27 was released last week on 11/2. The cover features the same artwork as the キン肉マン2世 version, and clocks in at 224 pages. This is a fantastic storyline, and I highly recommend picking it up - Robin Specials and Tower Bridges for all the unbelievers!

Available at most comic shops and book stores in America, or online here. Volume 28 is slated for a March 2011 release date.

The concept for these figures is a throwback to the golden days of the LA weightlifting scene. The darker color palate used was actually inspired by vintage Gold's Gym workout gear as seen in the outdoor training facility known as Muscle Beach.

Monday, November 8, 2010

I wanted to throw out a special thanks to Shimada-sensei of Yudetamago for helping me spread the word about Nama Niku! He is really connected with his fans, and I certainly appreciate him giving me a shout out on Twitter. You can see the tweet from Shimada-sensei here.

The Japanese comedy duo Yoikobu recently attempted a full-on Kinniku Buster in zero gravity after pulling 2Gs in a jet for the 5th time - Hilarity ensues...

I was unable to embed the video for some odd reason, but I found a link on another blog. You will need to scroll down to the middle of the page and click on the same image as shown above...kinda ghetto, but it will be worth the trip. Watch it in all its Wackiness Here!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

The 5th Muscle Summit took place on 10/29/10, and shaped up to be one hell of an event. I dragged my overseas arse out of bed at 4am to partake of the festivities, and can report that it was a Kinniku dream come true.

Kinniku Day, or Friday the 29th, is derived from the "kin" in kinyoubi/Friday, coupled with the "ni/2" and "ku/9," of the 29th.

The main event featured Shimada Takashi and Nakai Yoshinori of Yudetamago answering the top 29 Kinniku fan questions, and culminated with a live drawing demonstration by Nakai-sensei that blew the crowd away.

Watching Kinnikuman being drawn live was beyond explanation. Words cannot express my gratitude and excitement towards Yudetamago for the event.

Another bit of interesting news from the night was that a Mayumi prequel story is in the works.

The new Kinnikuman Pokka Can Designs are out this week! The three unique sets feature new artwork depicting the Akuma Choujin, the Choujin Olympics and the Scramble to the Kinniku Throne arch. The sets clock in around 2,500円, and you can Order Them Online Here.

In addition to tasty Pokka coffee and amazing artwork, the sets also include eight limited figures based on the "Six Devil Knights."

Pokka has been releasing Kinnikuman exclusives over the past few years now, and the recent Yudetamago can designs, bundled with the limited Six Devil Knights figures are no exception!

An opportunity to win a free Yudetamago autograph on your Birthday, through a monthly drawing.

Access to original Yudetamago illustrations and paintings from their various comics.

Rare, private photos documenting the history and travels of Yudetamago.

A glimpse into a large and evolving collection of of rare and vintage Kinnikuman collectibles.

Access to the members only private blog of the Yudetamago duo.

Frequent random drawings for members to win exclusive and unique Kinnikuman merchandise.

As you can see, membership gives you access to an array of exclusive offerings, information, and opportunities.

Signing up is easy if you can read and type in Japanese, but you may need a little help, and that is where I come in.

Here is a breakdown of the sign-up page:

User ID:

Name: (English is okay here)

Your Name in Furigana: (This part must be entered in Hiragana and there cannot be any spaces between your first and last name, or it will not work! - If you cannot type your name in Hiragana, drop a post below or message me, and I will respond with what you will need to copy and paste).

Email:

Email repeat:

Password:

Birthday: (Year, Month, Day)

Sex: (Male or Female)

Postal Code:

Address:

Click on the top button (of the two at the bottom of the page) to submit.

From my Japanese Twitter buddy, 29suguru29, comes Knit Kinnikuman and Ramenman! While he does admit that he gets a little carried away at times...At 33 years old he shows no shame in manning up to a needle and yarn to bust out these bad boys in under 5 hours each - amazing!

Having been inspired by events surrounding the recent MUSCLE Summit, I figured it was about high time I started my own Kinniku blog. I have been a Kinniku fan for many moons now, and have garnished quite a knack for having my pasty little fingers on the pulse of most things Kinnikuman.

While I have been an off and on contributor to LRG for over eight years now, I have always had the desire to post my Kinniku finds and adventures in their own little realm.

For those of you who have followed me on Twitter (King_the_100t) or LRG (Uoozuman), welcome to my corner of the Kinnikuman universe. Nama Niku for all - One Nation under Kinnikuman - 生肉 aka Raw Meat.